The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) – Is Much More Than a Show Dog

The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) – Is Much More Than a Show Dog

The Black Russian Terrier was imported to the US over 30 years ago. However, the BRT was exposed to an American dog fancy mostly in Conformation rings and is therefore known as a magnificent and impressive show dog.

BRIEF HISTORY

The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a relatively new breed, engineered for military use, designed to be hardier than the universally relied-upon German Shepherd Dog (GSD). The creation of the BRT involved the use of many reliable and time-proven Working breeds by top Soviet Union canine experts and genetic scientists in the Red Star State Kennel located near Moscow.

In 1984, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Black Russian Terrier breed. Ever since, the BRT has kept winning hearts of dog lovers worldwide as a devoted and reliable companion, as a show and performance dog, and as a successful competitor in various canine sports and disciplines.

The BRT was fully recognized in the US in 2004, and in Canada in 2020.

CHARACTERISTICS & TRAINING

The Black Russian Terrier is a serious, large, very strong, and intelligent breed. It requires a consistent, loving leader who will enforce house rules and provide training and exposure to various stimuli from an early age into adulthood. Early obedience training and socialization are imperative. The period from adoption to six months is crucial for shaping the dog’s emotional development. Gentle exposure to different elements of the environment—such as smells, objects, sounds, surfaces, and various people, including children—is vital to raising a balanced and stable adult BRT.

Most BRTs will regularly test rules and boundaries. They prefer to understand why a task must be done rather than blindly complying. Their independence and decision-making ability require an owner who is firm, fair, and always in control.

Black Russian Terriers are easy to train due to their intelligence, but they do not respond well to repetitive and pattern training. BRTs can become bored with repetitive tasks, so training sessions should be short (around 10 minutes), incorporating new elements and varying the sequence of exercises. Precision should be demanded and praise given for a job well done.

When trained correctly, BRTs retain what they have learned for life, requiring only occasional reminders rather than constant drilling to execute commands accurately. However, their excellent memory can be both an advantage and a challenge for trainers, as BRTs will also remember handler’s mistakes and harsh corrections.

THE VERSATILE BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER: A WORKING DOG WITH UNMATCHED POTENTIAL

The Black Russian Terrier is a versatile Working dog, which means that it is able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions, activities, or lifestyles and is an all-around, multitalented, multipurpose canine companion and partner.

Being a Working breed, the Black Russian Terrier has an intense desire to please its owner and thrives when given a purpose or job to do. With their versatility and dedication, BRTs make exceptional companions for those who can meet their physical and mental needs. With proper training and socialization, they can become loyal and well-rounded members of any family.

Black Russian Terriers excel in various disciplines, including Obedience, Rally Obedience, Protection/Guarding, Draft or Carting, Scent Detection, Tracking, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Agility, and Tricks. When carefully and professionally selected as puppies, BRTs can also be trained to become exceptional Mobility Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs. Additionally, some BRTs enjoy and perform well in Therapy Work.

Below is an overview of how Black Russian Terriers perform in various sports, based on our experience with our own BRTs and those from the Midnight Solo Perm. Reg. Kennel. This insight highlights the breed’s capabilities and the specific activities where they truly shine.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE

Obedience training is a must for any breed, but especially for guardian breeds like a Black Russian Terrier.

The Black Russian Terrier needs established rules for every situation, whether at home, on walks, during car rides, or when visitors arrive. BRTs function best when they know what is expected of them, making them more confident and well-adjusted. For a BRT, obedience should not be just a set of commands, it must become a part of daily life as a lifestyle.

Obedience training is a foundation for all other canine performance activities and for raising a well-behaved BRT that the owner can take anywhere and be proud of it.

Competitive Obedience is one of the most difficult disciplines, a precise performance sport where only one command is given for each exercise and points are deducted for any deviation from the exact position required by the sport’s rules.

Every BRT and their owner should be able to achieve a Novice level of competitive Obedience. However, not many teams are capable of reaching a high level of Obedience title. It will depend on several factors: soundness of BRT temperament; level of engagement and exposure the puppy received during the critical time in the whelping box and the first months in a new home; experience and/or willingness to learn of the owner-handler; commitment; a good training school; etc.

Despite the sport’s strictness, several Black Russian Terrier kennels have successfully competed in Obedience, achieving prestigious Obedience Champion of Excellence titles and multiple High in Trial placements in all-breed trials.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN RALLY OBEDIENCE (RO)

Rally Obedience (RO) is a sport originally designed for novice dog owners, making it an excellent entry point into competitive dog sports. It builds a strong partnership between a Black Russian Terrier and its owner, fostering confidence, training skills, and teamwork. In addition to being an enjoyable activity, Rally Obedience allows both dog and handler to earn performance titles.

This sport is both fun and engaging for dogs and handlers alike. At each competition, a different course with a set number of signs or stations is laid out for the team to navigate. Handlers are given ten minutes to walk the course and plan how they will execute each station with their dog. Unlike Competitive Obedience, Rally Obedience allows the handler to talk to their BRT, using various signals and verbal commands to encourage and guide the dog throughout the competition.

BRTs thrive in Rally Obedience, enjoying the interactive nature of the sport, and many have achieved great success in this venue.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN PROTECTION/GUARDING

The Black Russian Terrier was originally bred to guard and protect, a trait that remains in the breed’s DNA. However, with many generations of show breeding, this instinct has softened. Despite this, most well-bred BRTs will naturally guard and protect everyone and everything they consider to be part of “their pack and their property.”

Owners must exercise great caution when selecting a trainer for personal protection or protection sports. It’s crucial to find a trainer who understands the unique characteristics of the BRT, including their slow maturation, both physically and mentally, and their tendency to age quickly. Unlike traditional protection sports breeds, Black Russian Terriers are heavier and have a different build, making them more susceptible to injury from standard training exercises.

Elements of protection training such as jumping over hurdles and walls, or engaging in defense training at an early age, can be harmful to a BRT, both physically and mentally. A knowledgeable trainer will tailor the training to accommodate the BRT’s specific needs, ensuring the dog’s well-being while honing their natural protective instincts.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER IN DRAFT OR CARTING

Draft Work has its roots in the practical use of dogs pulling small carts, to assist with farm work. In modern times, dog carting has evolved into both a leisure activity and a competitive sport. Draft is one of our favorite activities with Black Russian Terriers as it allows us to build and reinforce trust while navigating challenging terrains together off-lead.

As a guard breed, Black Russian Terriers have an inherent instinct to be alert and are ready to protect at a moment’s notice. A BRT hitched to an empty or loaded cart is not able to monitor the situation behind him and is not capable and/or allowed to protect himself or the owner for safety reasons as well as the physical restriction of a cart behind. Only confident and stable Black Russian Terriers will trust their owner enough to be hitched to a cart, follow the owner’s instructions, and maneuver through various obstacles. This includes making sharp 90- and 180-degree turns, backing up, and negotiating uneven terrain.

We begin introducing our BRTs to Draft Work at around 18 months of age. By this age, our BRTs are well-trained in Obedience, have established work ethics, a strong bond, and trust with us.

Confident, obedience-trained BRTs excel as Draft dogs, thoroughly enjoying both competitive and leisure Draft activities. Whether they’re giving rides to children, participating in holiday parades, or helping out on country properties by hauling wood and moving stones, BRTs find fulfillment in Draft Work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN SCENT DETECTION

Scent detection is an exciting civilian sport that mimics the work of police “drug detection” dogs. In this sport, dogs are trained to search for, locate, and indicate to their owner where a designated scent is hidden.

Dogs search various areas, including containers, rooms, exterior spaces, vehicles, and even buried scents. Once the dog successfully identifies the scent, the owner calls the find to the judge. If the dog has correctly located and indicated the scent, the
team qualifies.

Different clubs use various essential oils as target scents, and there are multiple levels of competition in Scent Detection. This sport is not only fun for both BRTs and their owners, it also showcases the breed’s natural abilities. BRTs excel in Scent Detection, often finding scents as quickly as breeds specifically bred for this type of work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN TRACKING

Tracking is a low-impact activity that suits the energy level and physicality of a BRT. If you have ever walked a dog, you know that every dog has a natural instinct to track scents. Tracking utilizes this instinct, encouraging BRTs and their owners to spend time outdoors while engaging in recreational search work.

Tracking teaches a Black Russian Terrier to focus on and follow its owner’s scent trail, locating objects that the owner leaves behind and receiving rewards for successful finds. As the team progresses, they can move on to tracking the scent trails of other humans.

BRTs excel in both AKC/CKC air scenting and the deep nose, step-by-step tracking required in IGP, formerly Schutzhund, competitions.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN WEIGHT PULLING

While historically associated with freighting and carting dog breeds, today’s Weight Pull competitions are open to any dog, regardless of breed, size, or gender, with the pulling weight calculated in accordance with the weight of each competing dog.

Before starting a BRT in this sport, owners must ensure that the dog is fully grown, mature enough to handle weight, accustomed to appropriate weight-pulling or freight harnesses, in excellent physical condition, and has a strong bond with the owner along with a desire to work together.

Training typically begins by teaching BRTs to pull a tire on grass or packed snow, conditioning them before they even start with the empty weight-pulling cart.

Freight equipment, such as a harness and cart, is specifically designed to distribute weight correctly, minimizing the risk of injury. During training or competition, spotters are always present to ensure the dog’s safety and to help the owner monitor the maximum weight the BRT will pull.

Black Russian Terriers excel in this sport and genuinely enjoy it. While several breed clubs offer weight-pulling competitions, the UKC (United Kennel Club) offers one of the safest venues with well-defined rules and a strong emphasis on safety through the United Weight Pull (UWP) program.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN BARN HUNT

Barn Hunt is an engaging sport where dogs are tasked with finding hidden PVC tubes containing live rats. Rest assured, the rats are completely safe—dogs are not allowed to touch the tubes; they simply need to indicate where the tube with the rat is located within the straw. The owner or handler then calls the find to qualify. The tube with a rat is immediately removed to safety. In addition to locating the tube, the dog must climb small bales of hay and navigate through a tunnel within the allotted time.

While Black Russian Terriers are not terriers by nature, they enjoy this sport, especially those dogs that are already involved in other scent-based activities such as Tracking, Nose Work, or Utility-level competitive Obedience.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN DOCK DIVING

Most BRTs love water, but not all enjoy diving. When participating in Dock Diving, it is imperative that the dock surface is non-slip to ensure safety. BRTs typically wear life jackets for added security and must learn to swim confidently before attempting any jumps.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN AGILITY

While many BRTs enjoy Agility, it’s not the most suitable sport for them. Their size, weight, and slower speed can make it challenging for them to compete successfully in this discipline. However, as an enriching activity, Agility can be beneficial, provided it is done safely and with the dog’s physical limitations in mind.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS AS SERVICE DOGS (SD)

Black Russian Terriers could make excellent Mobility Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs due to their genetic make up to serve and protect the owner.

BRTs are highly intuitive to the needs of their owner, quickly detecting and reacting to any physical, emotional, or chemical changes. This natural sensitivity, combined with their loyalty, makes them well-suited for tasks that involve supporting and safeguarding their handlers.

Training a BRT for mobility tasks or medical alerts is not particularly difficult, but it requires careful consideration and commitment. The process begins with selecting a suitable puppy prospect, a task best handled by a qualified breeder or trainer with experience in Working breeds. It’s important for prospective owners to have realistic expectations as it takes a minimum of two years to train a reliable, ready-to-work Service Dog. This training period should include not only task-specific skills but also extensive public access and basic obedience training.

Owners must also understand that a Service Dog is not a tool or a medical device to be used only when needed. A Service Dog is a living, breathing animal with social and physical needs that must be met daily. The partnership between a BRT and its owner is built on mutual trust and respect, and maintaining this bond is crucial to the success of the dog’s role as a service animal.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS AS THERAPY DOGS

Some Black Russian Terriers enjoy Therapy Work that involves interacting with people in need, such as helping the elderly in healthcare facilities, assisting children in learning to read, or comforting anxious passengers in airports.

However, it’s important to note that this is more the exception than the rule. BRTs are naturally devoted to their owners, and most are aloof or indifferent toward strangers. For a BRT to thrive in Therapy Work, they must be specifically selected and trained for this purpose from an early age. Therapy Work-geared socialization and training are crucial to ensure the dog is comfortable and effective in this line of work.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN TRICKS

Trick Dog is a wonderful sport, cherished by both BRTs and their owners. This activity is particularly well-suited to the breed’s intelligence, offering a vast array of safe tricks to choose from, teaching BRTs to use their front paws and mouth in creative and controlled ways. Trick training can serve as a fulfilling “job” for family pets, meeting a dog’s innate need for purpose. It’s also a fantastic way for children to bond with their four-legged family members, teaching them a range of tricks—from “high five” to playing basketball and hoops.

For performance-driven BRTs, Trick Dog offers a refreshing break from formal training routines like Obedience and Draft Work. Tricks can be used as a drive-boosting warm-up before entering the ring or as a reward afterward. Regardless of the context, Trick training is a fun and engaging activity that perfectly suits the intelligent nature of BRTs.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN DOG PARKOUR: A MUST-DO SPORT FOR BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS

Parkour teaches a dog to do various behaviors on, under, and around obstacles, often involving balancing, jumping, and crawling.
It uniquely develops a BRT’s rear-end awareness, a skill that dogs typically lack unless explicitly taught.

Parkour is an essential activity for Black Russian Terriers, offering both physical and mental challenges that are perfectly suited to their alert and intelligent nature. While there are several international organizations where your dog can earn Parkour titles through video submissions—one of the largest being International Dog Parkour—the true value of this sport lies beyond the titles.

Dog Parkour transforms your everyday walk into an exciting, interactive learning experience. More importantly, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog, building a strong, trust-based relationship where your BRT knows it can rely on you in
any situation.

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIERS IN FAST CAT/SPRINTER

Fast CAT, or Sprinter, isn’t a sport in the traditional sense—it doesn’t require any formal training. Essentially, it’s a simple timed recall. It is a fun and engaging outdoor activity for both the dog and the owner.

As an added bonus, titles can be earned after completing a certain number of runs, making it a rewarding experience for you and your BRT.

In conclusion, we hope that sharing our experience with BRTs in so many canine performance events will motivate you to take a closer look at a Black Russian Terrier as your next competition breed and encourage BRT owners to train and compete.